For teen named Osama, an adolescence of torment

The 16-year-old former Tottenville High School student was born Osama Al-Najjar, but after the extreme difficulties he faced as an Arab man with the name Osama in a post 9/11 world, he legally changed his name to Sammy.

His story is not unique, according to a Reuters report that quotes New York Muslim leaders saying the teenager's case highlights an increasing distrust and fear of Islam among Americans since 9/11.